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Jill Rieder
Eventually you should read both. In which order depends on your reading preferences. My favorite, by far, was Jane Eyre. Written in a sensationalist romantic style, it still has moral, depth, and an interesting plot, and twists and turns that not only advance the plot but inform on the moral. It also has characters which are more than pieces of cardboard. Wuthering Heights on the other hand reads like a straight up sensationalist novel. It took me three tries to get through Wuthering Heights, it moved so slowly in the beginning and middle and when I was done, I did not feel the better for it. But it is a classic and helps you get a handle on the different styles of the Bronte sisters, so it is worth it to get through.
Terry
Both. they are different and beautiful each in their own way
Lucy Takeda
I loved Jane Eyre, and am re-reading it. I really disliked Wuthering Heights myself.
Steve Moretti
Terry is right.
'Both' is the correct answer! I listened to them as audiobooks. They have a kind of hypnotic power that draws you into their stories and leaves you feeling like a part of you has been transported back in time.
Jane Eyre is a perhaps a bit more of a feel good read, if you could call it that. Jane gains strength and goes from powerless to powerful, in a series of twists and turns. The character development is strong and to my mind, convincing. Of course, the setting and time are so distant that you have to let yourself get transported into another world. But isn't that why we read in the first place?
Wuthering Heights is a different animal, but it deserves a read or listen, if for no other reason than the ending. It's brilliant!
I just try to imagine the Bronte sisters writing these without a laptop or Google. Did they use a pen? Mind boggling...
'Both' is the correct answer! I listened to them as audiobooks. They have a kind of hypnotic power that draws you into their stories and leaves you feeling like a part of you has been transported back in time.
Jane Eyre is a perhaps a bit more of a feel good read, if you could call it that. Jane gains strength and goes from powerless to powerful, in a series of twists and turns. The character development is strong and to my mind, convincing. Of course, the setting and time are so distant that you have to let yourself get transported into another world. But isn't that why we read in the first place?
Wuthering Heights is a different animal, but it deserves a read or listen, if for no other reason than the ending. It's brilliant!
I just try to imagine the Bronte sisters writing these without a laptop or Google. Did they use a pen? Mind boggling...
belva hullp
I have found that Jane Eyre is by far the easiest of the two to read comprehensively. Wuthering Heights has a great deal of symbolism and that makes it a more difficult read for me.
Emmaline
They are both really great books. I found Wuthering Heights slightly more depressing because of the depressing worldview. But Jane Eyre is almost more sad because...well. Read it and you'll see :D .
Rachel Wood
I haven't read Wuthering heights yet, I am actauly about to start it :o. But oh my gosh, yes you should DEFINITLY read Jane Eyre. Its one of my favorites!
Josh T
Jane Eyre is easier to read. Wuthering Heights has more complex vocabulary. BUT both books are absolutely wonderful. Don't forget to read Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, because that is probably the easiest of all the Bronte sisters' novels to read, and more of a page turner in my opinion where the pacing and action is concerned. All 3 are some of my absolute favorites! I even studied the Bronte sisters' novels while doing my honors English degree during my 4th year with Russell Perkin, at Saint Mary's University (An absolutely amazing and highly amusing British professor)!
Abi Cook
I couldn't get into Wuthering Heights. I tried a few times but it just didn't do it for me like Jane Eyre does. That one is simply un-put-downable.
Josh T
Jane Eyre is easier to read. Wuthering Heights has more complex vocabulary. BUT both books are absolutely wonderful. Don't forget to read Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, because that is probably the easiest of all the Bronte sisters' novels to read, and more of a page turner in my opinion where the pacing and action is concerned. All 3 are some of my absolute favorites! I even studied the Bronte sisters' novels while doing my honors English degree during my 4th year with Russell Perkin, at Saint Mary's University (An absolutely amazing and highly amusing British professor)!
Lapsus Linguae
You should read both, and I think not only them The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Villette are also among the best Bronte novels.
Reagan Heckathorn
Both. I read Jane Eyre before Wuthering Heights, but that was mostly because it was available, and Wuthering Heights. But seriously, they're both amazing books.
Elizabeth
I'd read Jane Eyre first, but you cannot skip Wuthering Heights. They are both superb, exquisitely written and unforgettable, each in their own way.
Clark Church
Read Agnes Grey, as well, by sister Anne Brontë it gave another side to what women had to do to be independent. This novel is more realistic and doesn’t have much a mystery as the other sister’s novels. It is also not as well known, but still enjoyable.
Brian Hager
Wuthering Heights. No question. Please don't read Jane Eyre. It's terrible.
Patricia Joyce
This answer contains spoilers…
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Lisa Phalange
Read both and the Tenant of Wildfell Hall!
Emma Beddingfield
Definitely both. Charlotte and Emily Bronte may be sisters, but that doesn't mean that their writing styles and stories relate to each other in any fashion, making them incomparable. They are much too different and both such good reads. Both will challenge you mentally and ideologically. Read them both.
Zoe Krainik
Jane Eyre is a masterpiece. Wuthering Heights, on the other hand, I found highly overrated.
Black Mage
Neither. They are both completely trash.
Jen Jones
It's not an *either/or* choice! Read both.
Clive Naylor
Yes. Without doubt and as soon as possible.
Nicole Evans
Wuthering Heights is more compelling in my humble opinion. They are both gothic novels, but Jane Eyre borders on depressing.
Cara Crowley
Oh by all means both - the language in Jane Eyre is amazing - her character is so strong and admirable, there is hope. I love this book! Wuthering Heights is dark and you have to be ready for that ...
Marcus
Read both but I much preferred Wuthering Heights.
Indran
Jane Eyre. I found it richer and more satisfying. I was able to connect with characters in it more than Wuthering Heights. To be fair, while reading WH, there were times where I was extremely into it, and WH might be more suitable if you are in a self-destructive, bitter mood. But Jane Eyre was so much darkness too, so many twists and turns. When I read Jane Eyre, I was still in high school, and well before I finished it, it occurred to me that this was a novel that would change my relationship with literature.
Brian Burt
Without a doubt Wuthering Heights. No comparison.
Rachid Meftah
I recommend both.
Eric Ligon
I have tried to read Wuthering Heights many times, but find none of the characters appealing. I can get through the first 50 pages. But I love Jane Eyre. I've read it 4-5 times. Read Jane Eyre first. And if you try Wuthering Heights and can't though it, let yourself oof the hook!
Naveen Kumar
I've just started Jane Eyre. It's a little slow read. So far so good. But man, I read wuthering heights 10 times. I still want to re-read it. You can't go wrong with that.
Loritutors
I read Wuthering Heights fifteen years ago and remember being unable to put it down. I just finished Jane Eyre. In comparison, it seems I enjoyed Wuthering Heights more.
Logan Brennan
i think both, because they both have different events that might be interesting
Rosa
Jane Eyre was more interesting in my opinion, and the characters were more likeable
Emma
Both!! They are both amazing!!
Joye Meeker
I liked Jane Eyre much better than Wuthering Heights. Lots better. Liked the writing better as well.
Ian Mcnamara
I read Jane Eyre at school and really enjoyed it but it was an abridged copy. I plan to read both books un abridged at some point this year.
Paul Of
By now (it's been two years since you posted your Q) you should have read BOTH and really should not rely on other people's opinion to pick between the two. If you are 100 years old and still have not read either yet then you should stop being wishy-washy and start reading...either...right off...you are missing out on some great lit. That's three "should"s ...and THAT is more than enough shoulds in this comment.
Susan D Szczesny
Read Jane Eyre. Wuthering Heights is an emotional journey, that ends in the afterlife.
Literarni Snob
I'd start with Jane Eyre.
Pauline
Jane Eyre. No doubt about it!
Yun Yi
i think you'll have to read both before you know.
i like jane eyre.
i like jane eyre.
Julie
I hated Wuthering Heights when I had to read it in High School. As an adult, I decided to give it another try and loved it. The two books are very different, but I, for one love them both.
(Not a fan of Jane Austen though)
(Not a fan of Jane Austen though)
Dania Nasca
There's no other book like it. Try the audio. A good narrator makes a big difference. "...no, Sir..."
emi
I just read Jane Eyre and absolutely LOVED IT. I can't wait to start Wuthering Heights !!!!
Maria Marta
Both definitely!
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Oct 13, 2021 05:06PM · flag